Adult

Ceftazidime

Warning

General Information

Third generation cephalosporin antibiotic

Do NOT use if patient has a history of severe penicillin allergy.  If in doubt, discuss with Micro/ID.

Restricted formulary antimicrobial: For details see OUH netFormulary

AWaRe antibiotic classification: 'Watch'. Use as per guidelines. All other indications to be discussed with Micro/ID.

For all information regarding interactions, contraception, pregnancy and breastfeeding and additional information, see BNF and Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC).

Dosing

  Intravenous dose

Standard dose

1g TDS
Higher dose* 2g TDS
OPAT regimen** 3g BD

Note: If patient is over 80 years of age the usual daily maximum dose is 3g; this can be increased to 6g daily on advice documented by Micro/ID

*Higher doses are indicated for CNS infections and Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections such as neutropenic sepsis, necrotising otitis externa (NOE), bronchiectasis, diabetic foot infection

**OPAT regimen to be advised by Micro/ID only

Obesity

Use upper end of dosing range

Renal and hepatic impairment

Renal impairment 

Creatinine clearance 

(mL/min)***

Where usual dose would be

1g TDS

Where usual dose would be

2g TDS or 3g BD

51 and above

Dose as in normal renal function

31 - 50

1g BD

2g BD

(over 80 years usual daily maximum of 3g)

16-30

1g OD

2g OD

6-15

500mg OD

1g OD

Less than 5

500mg every 48 hours

1g every 48 hours

HDF/High Flux

Discuss with pharmacy

PD

 

Dialysed

500mg OD

Dialysed

1g OD

***dose ranges use creatinine clearance, rather than eGFR

Note: Doses are based on Renal Drug Database

 

Hepatic impairment

  • No dose adjustment required
  • Severe hepatic impairment: Lack of data therefore close clinical monitoring for safety and efficacy is advised.

References

  1. Wockhardt UK Ltd. Ceftazidime 1g Powder for Solution for Injection or Infusion summary of product characteristics. Electronic medicines compendium. Last revision of the text 2/10/24. Accessed via www.medicines.org.uk Accessed 23/3/26.
  2. British National Formulary. Ceftazidime. BNF online accessed via www.medicinescomplete.com  Accessed 23/3/26.
  3. The Renal Drug Database. Ceftazidime. Last updated 8/8/23. Accessed via https://renaldrugdatabase.com Accessed 23/3/26.
  4. All-Wales Antimicrobial Pharmacists’ Group (2022) Antimicrobial dosing in extremes of body weight in adults. Accessed 23/3/26.
  5. Sanford guide [online]. Ceftazidime. Last updated 13/3/26. Accessed via https://webedition.sanfordguide.com Accessed 23/3/26
  6. European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing. Breakpoint Tables for Interpretation of MICs and zone diameters. Last updated 1/1/26. Accessed via https://www.eucast.org/bacteria/clinical-breakpoints-and-interpretation/clinical-breakpoint-tables/ Accessed 12/3/26

Editorial Information

Last reviewed: 23 Mar 2026

Next review date: 22 Mar 2029

Author(s): AMST.